Tragic Loss: Brett James, Creator of ‘Jesus, Take The Wheel,’ Dies in Plane Crash

Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter celebrated for hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” tragically died in a plane crash on Thursday afternoon in North Carolina. He was 52 years old. Along with him, two others, Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson, also lost their lives in the incident.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash, while the National Transportation Safety Board has been called to assist. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the plane was owned by James.

James was not just a talented writer; he was a significant figure in the music industry. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, a testament to his profound impact on country music. Following his passing, many artists expressed their sorrow on social media. Dierks Bentley shared a heartfelt tribute, highlighting how their collaboration on “I Hold On” influenced his career.

His most famous song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” topped the charts for Carrie Underwood in 2006 and earned him two Grammy awards. Throughout his career, he wrote for a variety of artists, from Faith Hill to Kelly Clarkson, bringing country music to new audiences.

Interestingly, James’s journey wasn’t straightforward. Originally, he pursued a medical career, even enrolling in medical school after his early music attempts didn’t take off. However, he credited encouragement from a dean with steering him back to music, where he found success unexpectedly.

In his own words, James once reflected, “At one time, my wildest dream was for ten versions of my songs to be recorded. That year, I had thirty-three.” This shows not only his talent but also the vibrant community that embraced his work.

The ripple effect of his music continues to be felt. As artists and fans remember him, his legacy lives on, proving that great songwriting transcends time and genres. For more insights into Brett James’s influence on modern music, you can check out the PBS series “The Songwriters”.

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